Overview & Reviews

"Oh Lord, won't you buy me a Mercedes-Benz?" That's the opening line of "Mercedes-Benz," a song most famously recorded by singer Janis Joplin in the early 1970s. The tune gently poked fun at materialism and our desire for the finer things in life. It's fitting that the renowned German marque figures prominently in the lyric. Mercedes-Benz has long been known for crafting vehicles that emphasize luxury and refinement. For many, its vehicles are sleek symbols of status, success and good taste.

In January of 1886, Karl Benz unveiled the world's first automobile, a three-wheeled vehicle dubbed the Benz Patent Motor Car. A few months later, Gottlieb Daimler and his chief engineer Wilhelm Maybach rolled out a four-wheeled vehicle powered by his Daimler engine. The first Mercedes was crafted in 1901, shortly after Daimler's death. Built by Maybach, the car was commissioned by Emil Jellinek, one of Daimler's primary distributors, and was ultimately named after Jellinek's daughter, Mercedes.

In 1926, the companies founded by Daimler and Benz merged to form Daimler-Benz AG, and the Mercedes-Benz brand was born. The company's insignia was a three-pointed star wreathed in a laurel; the star was dreamed up by Daimler years earlier, and its three points signified the fact that his engines were used in vehicles that traveled land, air and sea.

Right from the start, the Mercedes-Benz name was synonymous with automotive excellence. One of the automaker's earliest vehicles, the 1931 Mercedes-Benz 170, distinguished itself as the world's first production car to offer a technology that was nothing short of extraordinary for the day: four-wheel independent suspension. The '30s and '40s saw Mercedes establishing itself as the brand of choice for car buyers seeking the ultimate in luxury, thanks to coveted cruisers like the 380 and 540K.

The 1950s witnessed the introduction of the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL "Gullwing," a sports car that has been described as being the world's first supercar. With its dramatic styling and race-bred technology, the 300 SL reigns today as a classic coveted by collectors worldwide. The decade also saw Daimler-Benz making strides in the area of safety technology. The company's Mercedes-Benz 220 sedans were the first vehicles to incorporate its patented "crumple zone" body design, created to absorb impact in the event of a crash.

In 1963, the company cemented its reputation as the home of automotive luxury with the launch of the Mercedes-Benz 600. The elegant, luxurious sedan was also available as a limousine and featured an ahead-of-its-time air suspension system and a V8 engine that boasted 300 horsepower. The decade also saw the launch of the Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.3. This full-size sedan went from zero to 60 in under seven seconds, distinguishing itself as the quickest luxury car is its day.

The 1970s saw the birth of the brand's storied S-Class line of vehicles, opulent sedans and coupes that coddled passengers with powerful engines and a long list of luxury features. The decade also saw Mercedes continuing on the cutting edge of safety technology, by being the first to offer antilock brakes in its vehicles.

Daimler-Benz's safety advancements continued in the 1980s. Its cars were the first to offer airbags and traction control. The manufacturer also raised the bar in terms of ride comfort and handling when it introduced multilink rear suspension. The technology debuted on the compact Mercedes-Benz 190 E, and it remains a vital component of the company's chassis engineering to this day.

Mercedes-Benz vehicles got an extra dose of power and performance in the 1990s, thanks to the manufacturer's partnership with AMG, a performance and tuning shop that was eventually purchased by the company to help produce ultra-high-performance versions of some of its vehicles. The first AMG model offered in the U.S. was the sporty C36 AMG in 1995; since then, Mercedes has gone on to offer an AMG-tuned version of almost all of its vehicles.

The company's current lineup is the most comprehensive in its history. With a variety of sedans, coupes, SUVs and roadsters filling Mercedes showrooms, it seems like the only thing missing is a pickup truck. Surely, the fact that Janis Joplin's song holds as much relevance today as it did four decades ago is a strong indicator that the brand's premier status is still very much intact.

User Reviews:

• 

  2005 Mercedes-Benz E320 - A Nice Business Car - 2005 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  By phil - December 2 - 5:10 pm

  As a 42 year marketing veteran who transports clients in his car, I needed a dependable business sedan that has an image matching my success and style. This cars performance and economics are there and its the passenger accomodations provide my clients with the comfort and pleasure to focus on their business decisions. This is my fourth Mercedes and we have been a great team!

• 

  So far cant complain - 1998 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By JTCML - December 1 - 10:00 am

  So far so good after 20,000 miles. I leased the ML used with 46,000 miles included a 2 year Starmark warranty. The rate was so low I could not pass it up. I have only had it in once to correct the rear tailgate lock. I live 65 miles from the dealer so I buy my own filter and get the oil changed at Walmart with Mobil 1 for under $50. My thought is only use the dealer if you have to. I have the same complaints with the quirky layout of the cup holders and window switches. Overall it has been a pleasure to own and drive. Would consider getting another if the deal was right.

• 

  Review of M-class - 2003 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By M-class reviewer - December 1 - 10:00 am

  This car is fun to drive and very reliable. It is a perfect size; it is not too large as some are, and not too small as many are.

• 

  Oh What Fun - 2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By Merita Young - December 1 - 10:00 am

  I just got my car in June of this year and find every excuse to go out and drive it. It is responsive, fun and good looking. My only complaint is that it uses premium fuel, but I just love it.

• 

  Wickedly powerful - 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
  By claudio - December 1 - 10:00 am

  This car replaced my already superb clk 55 and it shares the garage space with my Boxster S. It is unbelievebly fast and handles even better than the incredible Boxster. There are no words to describe this car it has to be driven. My car is black with red interior and AMG multi-spoke (turbine wheels). It has all the options and it is really a dream car!

• 

  Great car - 2005 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By Maria - November 30 - 5:56 am

  I Love my C class. It is more fun to drive than my SL500. It picks up speed quicker, and makes U-turns fun. Its such a small car you can park it anywhere. The only thing I dislike about it is that my hands sometimes hit the dashboard because it is to close to the steering wheel. Other then that I like my C Class.

• 

  My Mercedes - 2006 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By Busy Mom - November 29 - 6:00 pm

  I have had my car for 15,700 miles now. I had a wreck that caused over $ 14,000 in damage when I hit a tree but I walked away with no injuries, not even a headache. Airbag didnt even go off due to location of impact and I was still unharmed. I was leary about repair due to amount of damage but frame was unharmed. It is just like new. Love the looks, comfort, and especially the safety.

• 

  Safe and Secure - 2006 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By mvs2006 - November 24 - 10:40 am

  After looking at the Lexus RX, we found that the ML was more spacious, a solid drive and safer car. its an elegant SUV that has great safety ratings (Five stars). it would be close to perfect with a better NAV system, a backup view camera and genuine wood trim. Fun to drive.

• 

  Big Bang forn the Buck - 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By Paul - November 23 - 7:33 pm

  A very well designed vehicle.The quality of workmanship is outstanding and there is considerably more room inside than in the BMW 3 Series.A very luxurious ride and the car handles extremely well.7 speed automatic is excellent. This car is a very good value.

• 

  Handles like a car, not an SUV. - 2010 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By Jerry - November 21 - 6:23 pm

  Outstanding build quality and looks. This SUV has no body roll around high speed turns which is amazing for a vehicle of this weight. It really does stay glued to the road. Love the new chromed out roof racks, fog lights and skid plates that now come standard. Consider 3 zone climate when ordering. Standard seats are outstanding so dont waste money on leather. Premium 1 package is perfect.